The Challenge for Chiz

yes, i agree with you Harvey, Sen. Chiz seems to be good in public speaking, but his public service records shows he that he is in the opposite tract as poverty incidence in Sorsogon, his province deteriorates...people should learn now how to differentiate "talking and doing".

Although I may agree on how important it is to look into the background/backyard of someone who is aspiring to be the next president, it would be best that one should be careful by not oversimplifying things.

In the case of Chiz Escudero, the alarming poverty incidence does seem to portray his capacity (or incapacity) to be a good leader. However, this alone can not fairly portray his actual ability to lead.

As pointed out, it is the entire Bicol region that is experiencing a 51.1% poverty rate, and I assume that emphasis was given to Sorsogon because it has the highest rate at 55.3%. Nevertheless, it is clear, that the entire region is experiencing high poverty rate and not just Sorsogon. This means, that the other neighbouring provinces (Albay, Cam Sur, Cam Norte, Catanduanes, Masbate) is probably just within striking distance.

I’ve been assigned to Bicol before for 3 years as a salesman. I could confidently say, that addressing the region’s poverty problem is not as simple as using one’s pork barrel as probably the case in some area. In Bicol, you have to contend with several factors that could affect the success of your projects or investments. Factors that often time are beyond any person’s control.

Back in grade school, I learned that one of the major factors affecting Bicol’s economic growth, ever since, has been the weather. For a region that relied so much on agriculture, being frequented by storms does not help in their struggle. I’ve experienced first hand how much this can affect the region. One storm can easily wipe out earnings from years of hard labor. Just imagine having them one after the other in a month.

Bicol, geographically is a large peninsula extending eastward from Luzon's southern area. At the farthest end of that peninsula is Sorsogon. This places the province at the front of almost any storm’s path. And if the area luckily escapes the storm’s wrath, it could be still be cut-off should the storm devastates other provinces west of it.

I could go on and on with other factors that should be considered before making more valid conclusions or even insinuations of someone’s capability to lead. Factors like differentiating between the legislative and executive positions’ primary responsibilities, comparing the context in which economic growth is achieved and so on and so forth.

However, my point here is not really to defend Chiz nor even explain the conditions surrounding Bicol. It’s about sincerely promoting good governance and ethical leadership. The 2010 elections is just around the corner. I would like to believe that there are still more people who wants to hear statements, analysis or opinions strongly supported by facts and not just seemingly irresponsible tirades against political personalities. I, like many, am still undecided on who to vote for next year. We are looking for reliable and credible sources of information which can help us make the best decisions rather than be swayed by sugar coated lies, twisted half-truths, carnival campaigns or worse be left in despair to simply choose the lesser evils.

I might be reading too much on the purpose of your blog or even on the purpose of Kaya Natin! based solely on the movement’s name, but it strikes me as something that has a great and noble purpose. Good Governance and Ethical Leadership is something we are terribly missing for many years now. It may not be totally inexistent, but unfortunately the opposite is more prevalent. In my opinion, your cause of promoting good governance and ethical leadership can only be successful if you can provide people options surrounded by as many facts available as possible. If you or your group have more information than what we, the regular Juan dela Cruz, has specially on our current or aspiring leaders, I hope that in due time you would be brave enough to let everyone know. And hopefully, when the opportunity comes, we can say that we all made a well-informed decision.

I agree! I also heard that he is a chain smoker. If he doesn't have the will to stop smoking, which everyone knows is bad for your health, how can he has the political will to pursue political reforms that the country need?

I fully agree with your observation re Sen Escudero on his own province. Sad to say, the Young Senator is a "NATO".

NATO means NO ACTION TALK ONLY.

Finally, somebody has the guts to call on the "emperor" who really has no clothes on, figuratively speaking. The problem with Chiz is not his lack of experience in politics. In fact, he has a lot of that, a whole decade's worth of politicking, looking good on camera and seemingly sounding good too (until you notice that there's something weird with the cadence of his speech and the absence of commitment in what he says). What he really lacks is real accomplishment, a solid one by which he could show that his leadership has been tested and proven competent. Chiz is a paper tiger and I am even hesitant to attach tiger to the paper. I hope the 14 to 17% in SWS surveys who were beguiled by his image transfer their support to somebody who has real accomplishment, leadership and character.

Do not fault Chiz Escudero if your place was not improved or recipient to dole outs like countrywide development funds.

The first problem is that being in the opposition, Chiz has no why can avail on these perk.

However, something abominable has happened after Chiz became Senator. We must realized that Chiz belongs to the opposition as Congressman. IN fact before he became a Senator, I was tingkiering the idea that he may be a good vice president in tandem of (Imaginary) predisent Peter Allan Cyatano.

I had these idea of imagining that they can be good President and Vice President since both are eloquent, intelligent and forthright. However, after being elected on the Senate, right away, they transfer their alligians to Manny Villar party NP. This brought the consternation from the opposition. Most likely, it was manny villar who finance their campaign expenses.

However, as the saying goes, Political affiliation ends when interest for the nation begins. But like hungry dogs, Peter Allan Cyatano Chiz Escudero and Jinggoy Estrada, rightaway bolted from the opposition. These thing really disturbs me. Right now, Peter Allan Cyatano is lawyering for Manny Villar's C-5 extension scum, more than acting for the betterment of our nation as senator. He therefore does not deserve respect though he is bright and eloquent.

Now, for Chiz Escudero, associated with Lucio Tan is not condusive as Presidential Candidate. Being a dommy or stooges for people like Lucio Tan is not advantageous for our country.

Remember, under PGMA, the following are his backers. Lucio Tan, Aboitiz, the pier magnate (forgot his name), and a certain unknown. If such will happen, who knows if these people are the financiers of billions worth of smuggled goods.

According to the I.M.F. (INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUNDS), we had an import of 169 billion dollars last 2006, yet, the Customs could account for only 97 billion dollars. So, what happen to the 70 billion dollars worth of import, smuggled?

Chiz Escudero may be personally good, but by associating with Lucio Tan, is an undesirable candidate.

The issue may be true but only in local respect.What if Chiz see the problem from a wider perspective that is, going national where he will be able to address the root cause of the problem. He must be right although we can not be certained as of yet.

Rene

I agree with the opinion of Mr.Harvey Keh that it's a big and astounding challenge for Senator Chiz Escudero to help alleviate his provincemates agony before focusing to embark the Presidency.He has to prove first on how he can help alleviate poverty in Bicol specifically Sorsogon his own turf.Running an entire country is such an enormous responsibility to gamble perhaps as a friendly advice he should consider first his options in eyeing the highest position of the land.Obama is different though young but his training has proven him to lead his country.I admire the principle and advocacy of the good bicolano senator but he must learn from the experienced of the late Senator Roco,if wants to succeed and reach the epitome of power he should be trained first on how to do it right in proper time in his time anyway he still very,very young and retiring too early in case he becomes president which is only has a six year term limit is to early for him.

Mr. Harvey Kho says "One has to wonder if Senator Escudero has the capability to effectively run the country and curb our growing poverty if in fact he can’t help alleviate poverty in his own province".

- So next time fellow Filipinos, dont get duped by sweet talking, articulate native tongue, UP all the way grad who has nothing on his belt except "trapo" qualities inherited from the Marcoses. Huwag po kayong papabola dito kay Escudero na puro pautot wala namang napatunayan kahit isa. Not to mention that his dad was one of the Marcos crony and loyalist, what else can you expect from this guy whos even openly supporting a convicted plunderer? Yes, Gloria was not a saint but of course not even this guy. Mahilig lang tayong mga Pilipino sa mga magagaling lang mambola. If I were you mas pipiliin ko pa si Gov. Ed Panlilio. mas may sense ang sinasabi. Escudero's ability is just on one thing, capitalize on the evils of GMA.

Correction:

I should have written, and quoted "Harvey S. Keh" and not "Harvey Kho".

Sorry!

sir harvey,

you hit it right on the nose ! these "upcoming / would be politicians" are nothing but blabbermouths.

you've said it. they have to look at their own backyards first.

Hi Mr. Keh,

I think we need to ask Chiz how much he received pork barrel during his term as a Congressman and as a Senator, then we have to account the cost of all his projects kung meron man . ..Kung walang projects then its abig question mark on his performance. But as what i have read in the newspaper, those Opposition Congressman who voted against impeachment of Gloria ay binigyan ng hard time to get their pork barrel fund. Kung walang natanggap na pork barrel fund so what can we expect from our Congresman to help their constituents? At kung maari sana ay ma dyaryo ang lahat na Congressman at kung magkano ang kanilang pork barrel fund na natanggap during their term esp sa lahat na poorest provinces sa buong Pilipinas. Then kunin ang total population living below poverty level. With this, voters can decide what to do in this coming election. Thank you.

He's too ambitious to run for president. He's the younger version of Lacson, always looking only for pa-Pogi points.

He is even blocking the 2010 election automation.

Help first your kababayans in Sorsogon. You don't even deserve a seat in Senate.

George (OFW from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

And who is the predecessor of Chiz Escudero as Sorsogon representative? It is no other than his father Sonny H. Escudero III. For decades and years, we have seen a political dynasty that did not make a significant contribution to alleviate the poverty of Sorsoguenos.

with your foregoing questions, i presumed you have the best answers better than mine...i mean clearly even PGMA however from since her entering politics where she able to uplift the quality or alleviate poverty in her backyard as well?.i supposed the bottom line at least is good governance through morals even without resources and CHANGE AGAIN through " CHIZ" might be again-again-again the hope in the always glaring horizon of pinoy politics.

this reminds me of the forum hosted by a network where the so-called "presidentiables" were invited. that was the first time i heard that chiz was (or is still) thinking of becoming the next president of the philippines. when asked about his accomplishments as the former congressman of sorsogon, the only concrete thing that he was able to say was: road construction! i could just imagine what his answer would be had the question been about his senate career.. pathetic. i seriously can't imagine this country being governed by a president who's been in congress and senate for quite some time and yet, has not done anything remarkable except attending rallies and protesting about the current administration. i do hope that the filipinos would base their votes properly on the ability of the candidate to lead us away from poverty and uplift our spirit as a nation, instead of basing it on whether the candidate is an opposition or pro-admin and much more, on the his/her popularity. and for the potential candidates: don't run just because the "masa" wants you to!

I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Harvey S. Keh's view. It doesn't look good for Senator Francis Escudero to continue giving sermon at the proverbial mountaintop and yet he doesn't practice what he preaches. It smacks of utter hypocrisy. I have to admit I was inclined to vote for Chiz this coming 2010 election but if he doesn't address this issue I, along with my clan in Masbate, might rethink our position.

"One has to wonder if Senator Escudero has the capability to effectively run the country and curb our growing poverty..."

he doesn't

he is all talk

I am one of Sorsoganos and I believe poverty should not be blamed on Chiz. I have seen the poverty in my province but this was due to the fact that most people (particularly the poor) in my province are contented with what they have. Most of the poor don't even work hard for them to earn more. Some of them don't even have an ambition to uplift their lives, but, those who are ambitious works so hard and are living a good life. Thus, the poor are becoming poorer and the rich are becoming richer.

Have you also considered that most of these poor married on their early age and don't even have the courage to go to college and take a degree? Considering that Sorsogon have a state college which they can go to school for free. I am a witness with this scenario which I think is beyond the control of the public servant.

I have travelled in other provinces in Country and I have witness the difference of the Sorsoganos among other Filipinos in the other region. Some of the Sorsoganos who are poor are contented with drinking of alcohol and doing gossip rather than working for their living. This might be one of the reasons why poverty is very much significant in my province.

So I think, if all of the Sorsoganos will start dreaming and acting for their future (like me), I believe that poverty will not be of a question.

Correct. He was a failure in his own province, I don't think he will succeed in running a country. That is something we should magnify in the press. Not just his papogi tactics. Honestly, I don't believe in the guy. He's all talk.

LIP SERVICE!!!

His expertise!

If it's true what Harvey Keh wrote here, it is a shame. Clearly there is a strong need for the Filipino electorate to take Senator Escudero's promises with a grain (no, make that a bag) of salt. Come 2010 election, I'm going to seriously reconsider my initial plan to vote for Chiz. But I'm still open for renegotiation. It only depends on Chiz's response on this opening of can of worms.

I've just found a chink in Senator Escudero's shiny armour in Mr. Keh's article. Thank you very much Mr. Keh.

Will this be Chiz's Achille's heel and will it also signify his downfall just like the Greek hero?

Well, I don't know. But I still have high hopes for our country and for Chiz. I urge the Senator to do something about it if he still wants my support come Election Day.

I've been to Sorsogon a myriad of times and I could attest to Mr. Keh's observation and presentation of facts. The place reeks of poverty. But Sorsogon still has the potential to rise above its state of penury if its leaders (per Keh's suggestion also) would have the political will to act on this aspiration. Senator Escudero I believe in your ability to bring about real change in the Philippines. But if you can't do the same to Sorsogon then I should say I may will have misgivings with that belief. I want you to lead this country as president (as is my townmates in Pangasinan) so please take the lead in the movement not just for change but for "change for the better."

Chiz Escudero should be investigated
regarding the allocation of the so called
CDF funds for his constituents. It is so
apalling that he is making a lot of political
noise while the people of Sorsogon are
suffering from his antics. So young but
already corrupt.

I agree with you Mr. Keh. Philippines will be a lot better without the empty leadership of Mr. Escudero, who impress a lot of Filipinos as a glib talker like Obama. But the truth is that, he is what they called ' more of the same' politicians, who offers nothing good but lip service. We all know that he is one of the loyal loose dog of Danding Cojuangco. Maawa naman kayo sa Pilipinas lalo na sa mahihirap na patuloy na naghihirap dahil sa inyong mga sakim na Politicians!

You know why Mr. Harvey? Pulse Asia Survey setting up standard on how people should vote.Sad to say by popularity.Whoever has the money like Villar, still Pulse Asia can make him look good despite the wrong doings he has done.A govt. servant who is doing a great job & would like to be a President,Gets only 1% rating.[Bayani Fernando] Ganyan ka baboy ang ating bansa.How can we correct this Mr. Harvey?Your asking Chiz about the whereabouts of his CDF? 200million/yr.? lets put it in a very conservative estimate assuming na hindi suwapang si Chiz,15% of 200million / yr CDF went to his POCKET.The Contractors call it SOP.Plus 60% GOT WASTED BECAUSE OF WRONG eNGINEERING pLAN.

I do not know if Chiz can really make. I rather suggest he stays in the Senate. He cannot seem "to walk his talk." But, I hope he continues his campaign for good governance. At this time, the only possible candidate who brings dynamic entry into the higher post for 2010 elections is Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan who has expressed his intention to run for VP as independent. I have read an article about his platform at this link: www.maharlikantimes.com.
For now, he's got what it takes to win the VP seat.

Job well done Mr. Harvey Keh. People aspiring for public office should look into their own backyard to help their own people especially the poor ones. I was born and educated in Masbate and our province is still considered one of the poorest provinces in the whole Philippines. Political leadership has changed from the Espinosa's to the Koh's
and now the people of Masbate are expecting the Koh's to change the political landscape in Masbate.

People are tired of politics and they want
actions from their leaders.

Chiz is good only in chizmis

Many may not like President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, but let's admit it. Did majority of the Filipinos do anything when she took over the presidency by force?. The bottom line is the masses, the poor that the government or whoever wants to serve doesn't care less who steps in. Chiz lip servicing is how the masses understand. You Mr Harvey use your intellect to make people understand -- it is the people who don't understand that drives the votes. With all those intellects "kuno" in government, only one comment you will hear from the masses "isa nanamang nagmamarunong". Those people who understand what your saying with all those figures and statistics are the ones who drove Erap Estrada out and got Gloria Arroyo in. The masses will just play along with whoever is the president as long as they keep getting scraps...

i agree with harvey s. keh's article. however, it wont be amiss to include the issue in regard to his family (the ESCUDERO) being a known crony during the marcos regime and more importantly, the real possbility of putting them back to power and/or influence. he knows it because he said it.

Mr. Keh has a valid point to raise against Chiz since he was a congressman of that province which also has CDF alloted to him. So where did all the CDF has gone to?

one of my best friends, who hails from sorsogon, has been telling me for such a long time that chiz is all talk and has not done anything for the province. so, totoo pala...

Even as I am also concerned about the incidence of poverty, whether in Sorsogon or in other parts of the country, I must say that it would be most unfair to make any judgment on Chiz' "use" of any CDF. There is no indication in the article if the author took pains to inquire if there was actually release to the said district, or if so, then how much. Before any comment is made, it would have been better to ask the concerned legislator first. It must be remembered that the former congressman was in the House minority and this could have had a bearing on the matter.

i respect the opinion of the writer, but whats the purpose... just like what the writed said

"Given that he was a Congressman whose primary duty is to represent his constituency and enact laws for the country"

So is he to blame for what happened to Sorsogon. Besides ive been to sorsogon every year and enjoys its beauty and natural wonders. The most famous whaleshark watching can be found in sorsogon, and also bulusan lake that really amaze foreigners when they visit the place. The not so famous Rizal beach but can be compared to some of the well known beaches in the country like puerto galera and boracay (if developed into a world class beach)

It just happen that Naga, Camarines Sur, and Bicol had appointed a good MAYOR and GOVERNOR to serve their people compared to Sorsogon.

Kaya i cant say that the city has deteriorated... Im not a fan also of Chiz, but i think this in not the right way or to just publicize this kind of writings just to "downgrade" the reliability of a person.

Your comment hits the nail right on the head. I myself often wonder how Senator Escudero earns his political popularity other GMA bashing? Indeed what legislative achievements can he show to improve the plight of the Filipino more specifically those in his own province, Sorsogon.

Seems to me he's just one of those traditional politicians with a younger face. Nothing new to offer, nothing new to talk about but just all show.

I saw him once on TFC ranting about how the COMELEC was insisting on the automation and how he was opposed to it apparently because of the uncertainty the machines not being tested in the Philippines. For his information, the machines were already use in the US and some other progressing nations. Not unless the Philippines will take a leap from manual to automated, cheating is always a good way to win. If they have to cheat through automation, that would take awhile to crack the codes as the security features are layered so as to prevent hackers in getting access. You know, SMARTMATIC wouldn't be that stupid to risk its reputation worldwide by being lousy in the Philippines.

But now that you mention how poor the province where he came from, that makes us suspect more why this fellow is so hell bent to prevent automation.

i agree! i hate chiz' mouth. he's all lip service. he's lacking in action. during presidentiable debate...he said nothing but criticisms instead of outlining his agenda or giving detailed and specific actionable solutions to our country's everlasting problems. he is very conceited. he is nothing compared to Gordon and teodoro. the two delivered during presidentiable debate their detailed plans at addressing the problems in our country. i can't imagine what chiz can do to our country with his big foul mouth doing all the actions. He could be worst than all the other presidents. Lord spare us!

..i fully agree on Mr. Keh's statement.

I agree with you Harvey, Senator Chiz Escudero is just good in attacking and lip service...... we should be very afraid of him

You are absolutely right Harvey. How many Bikolanos have been elected to the Senate? I think in history of Phil. Senate, there is always one from Bikol. Today, several Senators have Bikolano blood: Escudero, Arroyo, Madrigal, Hosasan, and including Trillanes. But development is hardly felt in Bikol. Is it because it is in the typhone-belt? NOPE. It is more because Bikolanos are not followers of the saying CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME. It is hard to accept but many Bikolanos prefer talking than doing. Sen. Escudero fits such description. The same can be said of Lozada, remember him. He is also a bikolano. To date, Sen. Escudero has not shown any real leadership and management skills. Hence, while Sen. Escudero may be the brighest prospect of becoming the first ever Bikolano president of the Philippines, 2010 is not the right time. I will 100% support him if he runs for Vice-president and from there, show to the whole nation that he is more than Mr. lip-service or Mr. spokesman.

Mr. Keh,
E hindi ba wala ng CDF si chiz since he opposed GMA?

If I'm not mistaken, CDF or what is notoriously known as 'pork barrel', is very difficult to avail if you are from the Opposition. This is perhaps the reason why Chiz, Ping and Mar are not availing it. This is also the bad thing about pork barrel because it is being used by the Administration to induce congressmen and senators to vote for laws and issues in their favor.
As I know, project implementation is an executive and not a legislative function so if there are no projects implemented in Sorsogon, it is GMA and not Chiz who is amiss or negligent.

TAMA KA D'YAN!!!hahahahahaha.
CONGRATS!!!!

"He who complains most, is the most to be complained of"... Chiz-mis is always complaining and talking to the media... It's very disgusting to see and hear him in TV's, radios and newspapers everyday... He is Jack of all trades, but master of none!!!... I'll send this article to all my friends for them to know who Chiz Escudero really is.

That's the common problem with our politicians, they keep on eyeing for the highest position yet they can't even handle and provide enough services for their own constituents? You're only remembered during election period.

I agree! People sometimes tend to look on the dirts of other people and then they forget that they have their own dirts to clean up. I think it is best that Chiz should prove himself first as a Senator before going on a higher level. He still has a lot to learn. Shape his skills first in the Senate and then from there, assess if he's really ready for the next higher position. It is best to take one step at a time when climbing because if you skip one, you'll never know what you might have missed.

I believe that Harvey has hit the nail in the head regarding Mr. Chiz, aspiring for the presidency or even being a congressman. He has no moral right to be any of the above positions or even as barangay chairman. The Escuderos had long made Sorsogon their milking cow for their own self-interest and getting rich at the expense of their constituents and unless the people of Sorsogon or the Philippines wake up to who this person is really is, kawawa naman ang mga mahihirap whether in Sorsogon or in the Bicol Region or in any other region of the Philippines. HE HAS DONE NOTHING FOR SORSOGON EXCEPT MAKE THE ESCUDERO FAMILY RICH. He has done nothing for Sorsogon except appear during elections and sponsor laws that would benefit himself, his family and cronies. Magaling lang yan magsalita at maki-ride on sa mga issues at sa may perang kapitalista. To those chiz' financiers, watch out, pera lang ninyo ang habol sainyo nang taong yan.